Got No Shame » l.h.

6. Date Shoes

S T E L L A

"I'm really happy you called."

"Well it was an offer I could not refuse." 

After Gracie closed her bar last night, she invited me for a some drinks as she knew I was spending all my time working on Luke's car. It seemed like an open invitation for me to rant about how Luke drives me crazy all day while we work, so I was quick to oblige. 

Once a few drinks turned into a few too many, I found myself with a hand over my mouth, holding back a laugh as Gracie dialed Ashton's number on my phone. I was not expecting him to pick up at one in the morning on a weekday, but he was a man full of surprises. After an insane amount of giggling from Gracie and I, the drunken phone call soon turned into a confirmation for coffee in the morning. 

That intoxicated incident lead me to the present moment, gazing up to the familiar officer's prominent smile as he stood next to me while we waited to order coffee. My slight hangover headache was being soothed by the fragrant coffeehouse, as if my body knew that it would soon be replenished with the caffeine I so desperately needed. 

"On a scale from one to ten, how drunk were you last night?" Ashton dipped his head down in the slightest, allowing a black curl to cutely fall in front of his forehead.

I winced at the lack of sobriety I had last night, shamefully looking back at the tall man with a hesitant smile. 

"I don't think you really want to know." I laugh lightly, wiggling my shoes awkwardly on the ground as I spoke. 

"You couldn't have been that bad." 

"Let's just say Gracie owns to bar and I get free drinks."

"Oh."

As Ashton's eyes grew wide and a small giggle escaped from him, I held my hand over my mouth to prevent myself from laughing any further.

"But I promise I don't get wasted all the time." I assured him, feeling the need to explain myself to the broad figure next to me. 

I could feel a blush creep onto my cheeks as Ashton gave a comforting smile, simply whispering, "I believe you", in my ear before stepping up to the counter to take our order. 

After finding an empty table in the corner of the small shop, I took the seat against the brick wall as Ashton pulled out his chair across of me. Being seated in front him, I was given a better opportunity to take in all of his features. From his hazel eyes to the deep dimples that framed his smile, the officer was truly captivating. It was interesting to be placed in such a calm setting with him, as he was dressed in his crisp work attire. I was fortunate to meet with him before he had to clock in for work, for the timing and visual pleasure of course. I had yet to see Ashton in street clothes, but I could not complain with the way the blue uniform hugged his body so nicely.

"So, Stella," Ashton crossed his arms over the table, leaning forward to given me his full attention. "Beautiful name, by the way. Tell me 'bout yourself."

A grin made its way onto my face before I began conversing with Ashton. It was easy to talk to him, as our small talk soon turned into full blown debates. From talking about my family to justifying why Chandler was superior to Joey in 'Friends', I felt that I could talk to him about anything. Even when our coffees were finished, we continued to ramble on happily without pressure.

"You've never been in a police car?"

"Never."

"Well I guess I'll have to change that."

I cradled my grinning face in my hands, watching Ashton as he mirrored my actions teasingly.

I don't think I have ever met a man so sweet. Ashton made me question every male I had ever crossed in my life, knowing that people like him actually exist. From his gentle voice to his naturally charming mannerism, he didn't even seem real at times.